How to Kayak : How to Not Capsize your Kayak

Learn how to keep from tipping over in a kayak using high and low bracing techniques for balance, in this free kayaking video. Expert: Janet Burnett Cowie Contact: www.kayaklesson.com Bio: Janet Burnett Cowie has been teaching kayaking since 1982 and is an ACA Swiftwater Rescue instructor, tandem and solo canoe instructor and an ACA whitewater kayak instructor trainer. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

How to Kayak : How to Not Capsize your Kayak sentiment_very_dissatisfied 73

Kayak 16 years ago 585,104 views

Learn how to keep from tipping over in a kayak using high and low bracing techniques for balance, in this free kayaking video. Expert: Janet Burnett Cowie Contact: www.kayaklesson.com Bio: Janet Burnett Cowie has been teaching kayaking since 1982 and is an ACA Swiftwater Rescue instructor, tandem and solo canoe instructor and an ACA whitewater kayak instructor trainer. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

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Most popular comments
for How to Kayak : How to Not Capsize your Kayak

Shayla Skye
Shayla Skye - 6 years ago
imagine if she fell
Shayla Skye
Shayla Skye - 6 years ago
you look drunk as hell
silverhairdemon
silverhairdemon - 7 years ago
Thanks, just bought one today, and this helps....
Jon R
Jon R - 7 years ago
Another solution: Don't buy a white water kayak
Yi
Yi - 7 years ago
This is really useful! Thanks!
Reck Ssel
Reck Ssel - 7 years ago
Oh wow. I shoulda watched this before getting in my kayak for first time ever w all kinds of shit w me...I'm an idiot. Good video.
J.L Hoffy
J.L Hoffy - 7 years ago
I don't get it. Are just cheap kayaks unstable? Or are there too many flabby unathletic people tipping yaks?
SimB
SimB - 7 years ago
she have a small whitewater kayak and theses thechniques are very usefull to stay upright in rapids.
Riley Dallaire
Riley Dallaire - 7 years ago
Nice head bob
Rick Downunder
Rick Downunder - 7 years ago
Great video. I have a sit on and a surf ski but I bought a sit in touring kayak today so I will be trying out your technique tomorrow.Having to learn a whole bunch of new skills now so I appreciate your vid. Thank you

10. comment for How to Kayak : How to Not Capsize your Kayak

Randell Schimdt
Randell Schimdt - 7 years ago
I don't want to roll or flip
Typhon Tactical
Typhon Tactical - 8 years ago
this is very useful knowledge. especially since I'm considering getting a kayak.
P Birdwell
P Birdwell - 8 years ago
Elegantly described for something that is better experienced first hand. Well done.
Rui Pedro Silva
Rui Pedro Silva - 8 years ago
Awesome video! Thank you!
Ghostlore
Ghostlore - 8 years ago
56 people flipped over.
Renee Fox-Rowe
Renee Fox-Rowe - 8 years ago
People are harsh. She's trying to do amateurs a service here.
The FPV Life
The FPV Life - 7 years ago
fence rideabout lol agree man. Those trumptards
Brian castillo
Brian castillo - 8 years ago
wtf is she doing u Lil cut ass bitch
Kap Bab
Kap Bab - 7 years ago
lol why you so mad dawg
SatwinderSingh
SatwinderSingh - 8 years ago
VG advice-now practice! Thnx.
Johnny Rushman
Johnny Rushman - 8 years ago
big help!
D. Lorenz
D. Lorenz - 8 years ago
I would gladly take classes from you. Well executed presentation.

20. comment for How to Kayak : How to Not Capsize your Kayak

Nig G
Nig G - 8 years ago
She demonstrates very 'in-balance' high and low recoveries... as if she's afraid of the water. (Maybe it was cold?) The real test of a low recovery is to come up after your rib-cage has got wet; and the high recovery after your ear has had a dunking. But her technique is right... apart from her insistence on slapping the water... that only happens if you start the recovery stroke before you've really gone off-balance. 8 out of 10, expertvillage girl!
trays awesome gaming awesome 100
trays awesome gaming awesome 100 - 9 years ago
she looks that girl from kellogshow
jamezz34
jamezz34 - 9 years ago
She looks like a narcoleptic
Chris Hashmi
Chris Hashmi - 9 years ago
A bit like Ace Ventura Pet Detective type walk.
Gregory Potter
Gregory Potter - 9 years ago
Most panic situation are caused by a lack of knowledge I will not panic as much now
Julian Bainbridge
Julian Bainbridge - 9 years ago
What ur demonstrating and that was quite terrible u barely even went to the side
YAOG
YAOG - 9 years ago
My daughter goes on a kayaking trip tomorrow and it's freaking me out a little.  She has a tendency for getting into bad situations and panicking...someone tell me it'll be fine and I don't have to worry about her flipping over and drowning or something.  Thanks in advance.
Uzma Kashif
Uzma Kashif - 7 years ago
7ed4pg 5 the
Gage Dulaney
Gage Dulaney - 9 years ago
hahahaha good
YAOG
YAOG - 9 years ago
+Gage Dulaney lol Yes! She was fine. Thanks.
Gage Dulaney
Gage Dulaney - 9 years ago
+WilliamRayWalters did she live?
Steve Oakley
Steve Oakley - 10 years ago
the problem with this ? getting rolled usually happens so fast if your response isn't instant you are going over. better to learn how to really roll you boat or its wet exit time :( she also really doesn't show how much force you need. a "tap" isn't gonna do it. its more like a smash thats pretty hard. 
Steve Oakley
Steve Oakley - 8 years ago
taking on water in waves is never good. there is no "hitting waves correctly", only better sometimes than others. different boats due to hull design ride the water differently. I've had several boats and some ride waves, some slice waves. it depends on the boat. you also just can't paddle near perpendicular or even just 45deg to waves. navigation just doesn't work that way. you need to be able to handle waves in any direction.

there is also the situation of getting back washed. if you have never had a rogue wave come over the back of your boat..... I've had this happen on big lakes. its from wind shift or large boat wake. a skirt is mandatory in these situations or you will have a cockpit filled with water.

even in small 1-2ft waves, depending on boat, you can take water in. some boats have very low cockpit edges and these small waves will just come over the cockpit edge depending on how you are going.

doing a wet exit is not hard. gravity does 1/2 the work. most folks just need to do it a couple times... to realize its something they don't want to do and become better paddlers. having done it, thankfully only once during an actual situation, one learns quickly not to do what got you into the water. I've been slammed into logs, rocks and a bridge enough times by current to simply stay up when it happens. learning to handle impacts is a more important skill.

learning to roll isn't an ego thing. its an advanced skill that can be hard to learn, requires practice... and again, some boats are easier than others. you have to know your boat.
Iam free
Iam free - 8 years ago
+Steve Oakley I sea kayak in some pretty heavy tidal chop with a 16 ft kayak and have no need for spray skirt. If I ever flip it I will just use my paddle float. If you are hitting the waves correctly there is very little spray. I think it is an ego thing about rolling a kayak that for most people could cause a tragedy in a panic situation. If you are skirting in you better be practiced to execute...getting trapped upside down is not cool.
Steve Oakley
Steve Oakley - 8 years ago
use of a skirt depends on conditions. flat open water, not really. big waves, any fast moving rivers, totally. It also depends on your boat. some ride waves, some slice them. If your boat slices waves a skirt is mandatory. Even in hot weather I always use one. its a comfort thing and a big safety factor. I'd much rather roll the boat back up than wet exit and have to get back in. Lets just assume you aren't rolling the boat in a shallow river where getting smashed on rocks is a concern. in open water, rolling is better. Its also a lot harder to learn to do, but once you do...
Iam free
Iam free - 8 years ago
Agreed, for most people you need no spray skirt...just wet exit and use your paddle float to get back in your uprighted kayak. Learn how to use your paddle float. Rolling your kayak and using a spray skirt for most people adds risk and is not needed.
WaterfallSurfer
WaterfallSurfer - 10 years ago
If you don't drop your head the brace absolutely will not work...LOL!
Evan Dickson
Evan Dickson - 7 years ago
Michiganoutdoorsman I guess it gives Rhythm or timing it look s kind of silly
Michiganoutdoorsman
Michiganoutdoorsman - 10 years ago
I know right what the hell does turning your head do! hahaha
Ronn Weasley
Ronn Weasley - 10 years ago
What if a killer whale knocks you over?
Iam free
Iam free - 8 years ago
Get up as soon as possible and run home.
iReloadz
iReloadz - 9 years ago
I'm dead
steve y
steve y - 10 years ago
I guess Harry will come for a rescue

30. comment for How to Kayak : How to Not Capsize your Kayak

JuicyLuXy
JuicyLuXy - 10 years ago
thanks!
Evil DroneZ
Evil DroneZ - 10 years ago
thank you
Dana & Sherri Outrigger & Kayaking
Dana & Sherri Outrigger & Kayaking - 10 years ago
Here is a video I made of a kayak trip my wife and I made from Long Beach to Catalina on a small craft warning. WARNING DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DO THIS UNLESS YOU ARE ON GOOD TERMS WITH THE COAST GUARD!
Just Your Shadow
Just Your Shadow - 10 years ago
woahhh up and away we goooooooo
Chuck Martin
Chuck Martin - 6 years ago
Just Your Shadow I
dennis brian
dennis brian - 10 years ago
Hey cool!  Got it.
van house
van house - 11 years ago
Learning kayaking skills just from video is hard. I plan to study kayaking lessons.
mikeyalonga
mikeyalonga - 11 years ago
Thx for the tips
bluemangrope
bluemangrope - 11 years ago
Drake, she may "look" like a retard, but your comment, leaves no doubt about yourself. Are you smart enough to realize I just insulted you? If you have a problem with it, contact me, and maybe we can "talk" it out. I looooove "talking" things out with peeps like yourself. You will NEVER forget the face to face conversation, everytime you look in the mirror...
mickee06
mickee06 - 11 years ago
I went kayaking yesterday and I almost capsized.know one told me I had to brace or balance. I kind of food it myself
alasdair geddes
alasdair geddes - 11 years ago
Learning kayaking from YouTube is hard. I think I'll just keep going to kayaking lessons.
DrakeDDBMX
DrakeDDBMX - 11 years ago
How to look like a retard in front of youtube.
DrShambano
DrShambano - 11 years ago
Thank you. i wish I had known this a couple weeks ago,
markjoachen
markjoachen - 11 years ago
by the way you live in a police state like 1984 we all do in the west i am just more suppressed than you
markjoachen
markjoachen - 11 years ago
how is this seruis comment funny fine you keep puting on cancer creams i meant sunscreen and all that stuff that gave me more skin problems when i used to use it,,i never touch sunscreen now took 3 years for my face to heal th one time i do as i am meant to and my skin fall off for about 2 years never ever again i am 34 it was 4 years ago before that i never used anything to protect the skin against the sun,,the sun gives you viatmin d its good for you and i brown naturaly anyway
crazykawafool
crazykawafool - 11 years ago
Do you think you're funny?
markjoachen
markjoachen - 11 years ago
she said buttcheek 2:00
markjoachen
markjoachen - 11 years ago
she wants to protect her skin why risk putting something on your skin you know nothing about just stay out of the sun when its well hot
Caleb Mitchell
Caleb Mitchell - 11 years ago
wooo, up and away you go!
Poly Organza
Poly Organza - 11 years ago
split infinitive..
Austin Mcalee
Austin Mcalee - 11 years ago
WOAH! I'm up, and away I go!

50. comment for How to Kayak : How to Not Capsize your Kayak

top40productions
top40productions - 11 years ago
Thank you, great info :)
jamie anderson
jamie anderson - 11 years ago
High brace is basically a half roll, similar motion. Also, when practing, you should get your shoulder and ear wet
Elliot Lyness
Elliot Lyness - 11 years ago
She makes it sound a lot more complicated than it actually is.. the more you paddle, the more natural it becomes.
noxinixon1
noxinixon1 - 11 years ago
Listen to Noxinixon's album Kayak
Kayak NewsUSA
Kayak NewsUSA - 12 years ago
INFORMATIVE !
John Dewh
John Dewh - 12 years ago
im going kayaking tomorrow in Md
m b
m b - 12 years ago
i like the head whip
dismaldog-William
dismaldog-William - 12 years ago
Thank you-explained well.
Nathan garnett
Nathan garnett - 12 years ago
roll...
cagammon
cagammon - 12 years ago
She is to dramatic. I'd rather drown...
Chip Eckardt
Chip Eckardt - 12 years ago
Thanks. I thought this video was helpful.
YouSirAreNoob
YouSirAreNoob - 12 years ago
I was just pointing out how stupid this looks. I'd rather fall and then roll over because at least then I'd look like a badass
Quico Reed
Quico Reed - 12 years ago
The canoe low brace is by far more effective, and it's done a little differently than the kayak low brace. Go find some videos on that before trying it.
Quico Reed
Quico Reed - 12 years ago
judging by your comment, apparently you wanted to look like a retarded troll, and you succeeded with flying colors. Here's a suggestion: if you have nothing constructive to say, go away.
Robert Lantz
Robert Lantz - 12 years ago
Thank you for posting a great video to help people keep their boats upright. Every kayaker should spend time learning how to self rescue, paddle skills and safety first practices. I like this technique and I will use it even if I look silly, I will still be upright. Robert, Visionary Heirloomkayak
simplyhike
simplyhike - 12 years ago
some really great tips there! thanks for the video! has been put together really well aswell! Just to let you know we sell loads of kayaks and other travelling products so if you get a chance please check out our channel :-) Thankuuu!!
YouSirAreNoob
YouSirAreNoob - 12 years ago
if I wanted to look like a retarded T rex I guess I'd practice these. I'd rather fall in than have somebody see me do this
Cambron Stump
Cambron Stump - 12 years ago
looks like shes trying to dance in a kayak lol
seandough eggers
seandough eggers - 12 years ago
I will correct you because you are wrong a high brace is much more effective for beginners because normal a beginner wont even realise that they are rolling until it is to late so the low brace wont help them at all the low brace is for people who can feel any slight movement in their boats and know if their low brace dosent help they can roll, and alsobecause the paddle is close to the chest in the high brace it dosent put your sholders in any danger at all unless you do it wrong.
paddlepunk0481
paddlepunk0481 - 12 years ago
Why are people giving her videos crap when she is teaching beginners about the basics of the sport? Who cares if you know how to paddle out of something, a new person might not. I, for one, think this video is awesome. You can do it like a Bear or a Monkey!
hellf jaohnson
hellf jaohnson - 13 years ago
expert village has more videos than this has views
IDontCare704
IDontCare704 - 13 years ago
@newlander32 I can tell you don't kayak 'cause you spell it wrong xP
Nick Brindle
Nick Brindle - 13 years ago
@rep353 No emphasis whatsoever is necessary. People paddle the way they are comfortable.
aleksoboom
aleksoboom - 13 years ago
For beginners: You will use a kayak with 2 bottles on the top like airplane. :D Like I will do it today.
alex lunn
alex lunn - 13 years ago
if you never flip you cant be pushing it enough :P
ZwergpiratXXL
ZwergpiratXXL - 13 years ago
@doria5000 get ad-blocker!
CT2507
CT2507 - 13 years ago
@FixedByDoc so what did u do? did u roll back up, or did u have to get out of the kayak?
Cronkzillla
Cronkzillla - 13 years ago
She looks retarded when she does that.
Donnerfuß
Donnerfuß - 13 years ago
Very helpful thanks
AlcoholLevel
AlcoholLevel - 13 years ago
GARBAGEVILLAGE. another loser video.
Michael Evans
Michael Evans - 13 years ago
@micahgee No, I think the head dropping is for the same reason the head comes up last in a roll: it's so that the movement of the head doesn't counteract what you;re trying to do, which is right the boat. Think of it as a conservation of energy. If you're dropping your head, it gives you the energy in your lower body to flip the boat in the opposite direction. It effectively allows the hip flick to become part of the high (or low) brace rather than just using the paddle. Hope that helps.
Jamie S
Jamie S - 13 years ago
how do cover this video in one sentance. if you begin to tip slap water with paddle.
paradoxb3
paradoxb3 - 13 years ago
Q. How many kayakers does it take to create a successful instructional video on youtube? A. About 1000. 1 to shoot the video, and 999 more to criticize their technique.
nealkinevil
nealkinevil - 13 years ago
did they all have google eyes is that what they have done i hate commercials
Rossonero Leone
Rossonero Leone - 13 years ago
Thanks for the tips, but I have other sort of concern and that's why I am here. Im n amateur novice kayker and I went kayaking today at Porto da Barra, Salvador, Brazil. I didt it for about an hour with my legs streched on the kayak all the time. As a result, I guess the position caused some pressure keeping the blood from circulating well in that region and I did not realize that. When I got off the kayak I almost fell to the ground cause my legs were completely dormant. How can I avoid that?
micahgee
micahgee - 13 years ago
Everything looks good except for the head-dropping. I have always been taught to keep your head up, no matter what. Looking at whats ahead is crucial!
Don Thompson
Don Thompson - 13 years ago
On a low brace, keep the elbows above the shaft of the paddle, not behind it. That keeps your shoulder even safer, mimimizes wrist movement, and provides more power if it is needed.
romakayak
romakayak - 13 years ago
that's a large blade for a small person
Andy Wilfong
Andy Wilfong - 13 years ago
wow good video
MissPearPie
MissPearPie - 13 years ago
Arh :( I thought she was going to capsize correctly.
ned ard
ned ard - 13 years ago
@doria5000 do you realy want to pay to watch youtube videos?
tylerb1989
tylerb1989 - 13 years ago
@rep353 it depends how its done.that high brace probably isnt amazing for your shoulders. you should lean forward with elbows tucked on a high brace and brace in front of you so there isnt too much pressure on it. just gotta stay away from reaching right backwards like you see so many people do. thats disslocation territory. TBH I never used low braces at all. you can edge the majority of the time and integrate a forward stroke/brace and edge to carry on without capsizing.
toms3peaks
toms3peaks - 13 years ago
just capsise and roll
Matt Dennies
Matt Dennies - 14 years ago
You look such a douche swinging your head around like that. When your on a rapid looking at where your going with your head and flicking your hips will do more good than swinging your head around.
sqwid
sqwid - 14 years ago
I hear alot about protecting your shoulders... How serious is this for a strong 26 year old? Can I dislocate my shoulder too?
mono3474
mono3474 - 14 years ago
it doesn't matter how hard you try u will at some point in time flip over
Rob C
Rob C - 14 years ago
I think that there should be equal emphasis on both, learning proper early form in the high brace - especially the hip snap element (which I don't remember hearing anything about in this video) is also important because of it's use in a bow assist rescue.
GuitarManUpstairs
GuitarManUpstairs - 14 years ago
Great video, one of the better resources for this on YouTube.
tischiisBAD
tischiisBAD - 15 years ago
was genau ist schwierig daran?
Scott Hodge
Scott Hodge - 15 years ago
Well tbh I never low brace anyway lmao high braces all the way :D Sculling for support more than the braces too, come to think of it...

100. comment for How to Kayak : How to Not Capsize your Kayak

Scott Hodge
Scott Hodge - 15 years ago
Nah, because with the same technique you can go alot further. As I said, she's teacing technique at a beginner level, not advanced. For those of us that can dunk our heads it's more about breaking a confidence barrier than it is simply practicing technique,
Scott Hodge
Scott Hodge - 15 years ago
Wouldn't say so, she's keeping it simple fro instructional purposes. if you just go straight in witha commited high brace and dunk your head the people watching the vid won't have a clue what you're doing, and learn nothing.
Christopher Murphy
Christopher Murphy - 15 years ago
you could be doing this all flippin day back and forth hahah
Jason Phillips
Jason Phillips - 15 years ago
Which brace is more powerful?
RobM77
RobM77 - 15 years ago
I think it's a good video actually!! Explains it very well.
Louis Frost
Louis Frost - 15 years ago
would be good if you actually went past the point of no return, all you are doing is leaning.

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